Computerized pillow-fitting methods and apparatuses

ABSTRACT

Computerized methods and apparatuses fit a pillow to an individual based on the characteristics of the individual. A computerized pillow-fitting apparatus has a processor, an input device configured to input a plurality of parameters corresponding to an individual&#39;s characteristics; a determination unit which uses the processor to determine, in response to the input of the plurality of parameters, a pillow identifier based on the plurality of parameters; and an output device configured to output the pillow identifier and configured to cause a pillow to be produced based on the pillow identifier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application which claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 11/394,110, filed on Mar. 31, 2006, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/594,363, filed on Mar. 31,2005. The entire contents of each of the aforementioned applications areincorporated by reference in the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Illustrative embodiments relate generally to computerized pillow-fittingmethods and apparatuses. More particularly, illustrative embodimentsrelate to computerized pillow-fitting apparatuses and methods thatproduce a pillow based on an individual's characteristics.

2. Description of the Related Art

An average person spends over 2,500 hours a year with his or her head ona pillow. Besides diet, sleep is an important factor for an individual'shealth and appearance. When the neck, head, and face have proper supportand are not subjected to undue stress, an individual's health andappearance can benefit in many ways.

For example, a good night's sleep with a properly fitted pillow willhelp to decrease facial wrinkles due to proper neck and head support.Further, a properly fitted pillow decreases undue stress on the facialarea and slows the aging process because proper sleep rejuvenates andrepairs bodily organs and muscles, and helps reduce snoring by properlyaligning the neck and pharynx, i.e., open the airway, to its maximumextent.

People customarily rest their heads on a pillow when sleeping on amattress. Most individuals desire relaxing, enjoyable, refreshing, andundisturbed sleep. Pillows help accomplish these desires by providingproper support to necks and heads during sleep. Pillows can also providea pleasant soft and cool sensation to the skin of an individual's neckand face, which also contributes to relaxing and undisturbed sleep.

People have very different body types and sleeping habits. Further,there are significant differences in height, weight, body type, age andother physical characteristics among different people.

People also have different preferred sleeping positions. For example,some people prefer to sleep on their backs, while others prefer sleepingon their stomachs or sides.

Pillows also have varying characteristics. For example, pillows havedifferent sizes, shapes, densities, firmnesses, constructions, andmaterials. Therefore, different pillows best suit the varying sleepingneeds of different people.

Significant problems arise when people do not use an appropriate pillowfor sleep. A poorly constructed or worn out pillow can cause back,shoulder and neck pain. As a result, a person using the wrong pillowwill have an unpleasant sleeping experience. The person may also beharmed by the lack of sleep and the unnatural or unhealthy position andsupport of the head and neck relative to the body for extended periodsof time due to the improper pillow.

Unfortunately, most individuals are unable to determine the appropriatepillow because they are unaware of the different types of pillows andthe various parameters that should influence their selection of apillow. Further, despite having a similar appearance, one pillow maydiffer significantly from another pillow in the respective filling orthread count, for example, thus affecting the support that the pillowprovides. Even if individuals are aware of the different types ofpillows and the various parameters that should influence their selectionof a pillow, such individuals may nevertheless fail to weigh the variousparameters objectively, or their selection may be influenced by theirsubjective response to the pillow (e.g., how the pillow “feels” to theindividual).

Therefore, a need exists to supply people with the proper pillow so thatthe proper sleeping experience can be achieved. A need also exists foran apparatus that objectively selects the proper pillow for individualsby weighing relevant parameters, including but not limited to theindividual's physical characteristics and the structural characteristicsof available pillows.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments address these problems, and other problems notspecifically mentioned above. Also, the present invention is notrequired to overcome the problems described above and an illustrativeembodiment may not overcome any of the problems described above.

According to one illustrative embodiment, a computerized pillow-fittingmethod comprises: inputting, by a computer having a processor, aplurality of parameters corresponding to an individual'scharacteristics; determining, using the processor, a pillow identifierbased on the plurality of parameters; outputting from the computer thepillow identifier; and producing a pillow based on the pillowidentifier.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a computerizedpillow-fitting method comprises: inputting, by a computer having aprocessor, a plurality of parameters corresponding to an individual'scharacteristics; determining, using the processor, a pillow identifier,based on the plurality of parameters by comparing values for each of theplurality of parameters with a database entry, wherein the databaseentry includes pillow identifier information corresponding to the valuesfor each of the plurality of parameters; and producing a pillow based onthe pillow identifier.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a computerizedpillow-fitting apparatus, comprises: a processor; an input deviceconfigured to input a plurality of parameters corresponding to anindividual's characteristics; a determination unit which uses theprocessor to determine, in response to the input of the plurality ofparameters, a pillow identifier based on the plurality of parameters; anoutput device which outputs the pillow identifier and which causes apillow to be produced based on the pillow identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention and its modes of operation will becomemore apparent by the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals correspond to like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a computerized pillow-fitting apparatus that uses aprocessor to determine a pillow identifier and ultimately produce apillow according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a computerized pillow-fitting apparatus that uses acomputer network according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back sleeper pillow according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side sleeper pillow according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a stomach sleeper pillow according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for producing a custom-fitted pillow usingthe computerized pillow-fitting apparatus according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for producing a custom-fitted pillow usingthe computerized pillow-fitting apparatus according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process for producing a custom-fitted pillow usingthe computerized pillow-fitting apparatus according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate screen displays of the computerizedpillow-fitting apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process for producing a custom-fitted pillow usingthe computerized pillow-fitting apparatus according to an illustrativeembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of a computerized pillow-fitting apparatus anda computerized pillow-fitting method for determining and producing anappropriate pillow for an individual based on the characteristics ofthat individual will now be described. Pillows can be fitted, or caneven be custom-designed, based on characteristics of the individual whowill use the pillow. These characteristics can include, for example,sleeping position, height, weight, age, sex, posture, body type, chestsize, neck size, head size, and a preferred pillow firmness. Acustom-filled pillow can address the problems of disturbed, restless,and unpleasant sleep caused by pillows that do not properly suit theindividual's body. In particular, such problems can be addressed by apillow that is custom-fitted to the individual based on characteristicsof the individual including, for example, the individual's sleepingpreferences.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the construction of the pillow willvary in size and density from top to bottom. Further, according to anillustrative embodiment, an individual will be able to sleep on eitherside of the pillow enabling the individual to flip the pillow over andstill be provided with the same support on the other side. In addition,according to an illustrative embodiment, some of the pillows will havevaried density filling in outer and inner chambers depending on theindividual's characteristics and primary sleeping position.

1. Computerized Apparatus

FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a computerized pillow-fittingapparatus implemented on a computer 100, according to one illustrativeembodiment. The computer 100 comprises a processor 105 that includes acentral processing unit (CPU) 110, a memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) 112and an input/output (I/O) device 114. The processor 105 is connectedthrough the I/O device 114 to a storage unit 120 and a display ormonitor 101. The computer 100 further includes a keyboard 118 and mouse116, connected to the I/O device 114, which allow an individual to inputinformation. A computerized pillow-fitting apparatus program, which is asequence of computer instructions, resides on the storage unit 120, isloaded into memory 112, and is executed by the CPU 110. The computerizedpillow-fitting apparatus program further provides a graphical userinterface (GUI) for interaction with the user on the monitor or display101 of the computer 100.

2. Networked Apparatus

FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of a computerized pillow-fittingapparatus implemented on a server 240 which communicates with a computer200 via a network 230. The server 240 includes a CPU 246, a memory 242and a pillow-fitting apparatus program 244. The server 240 is connectedto a storage unit 250 which stores the back-end database that isaccessed by the pillow-fitting apparatus program 244. The executedpillow-fitting apparatus program 244 displays a GUI on the display 200so that a user can provide inputs to the apparatus.

3. Sleeping Positions

There are several distinctive pillow designs with varied densities tofit an individual's characteristics and sleeping patterns. Threeexamples of types of pillows include, but are not limited to, the backsleeper 300, side sleeper 400, and stomach sleeper 500 as illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Each will be discussed below.

Back Sleeper—The back sleeper pillow type 300 is mainly prescribed toindividuals who sleep on their backs. The back sleeper pillow type 300has a varied density tri-chamber design 301, 305, 310 as illustrated inFIG. 3. The subtle but firm outer chambers properly support the neck andthe soft center chamber cradles the individual's head.

Side Sleeper—The side sleeper pillow type 400 is mainly prescribed toindividuals who sleep on their sides. The side sleeper pillow type 400is surrounded with a two-inch baffle 401, 405 and has varied internaldensity as illustrated in FIG. 4. This design provides appropriate neckalignment and an even sleep surface.

Stomach Sleeper—The stomach sleep pillow type 500 is mainly prescribedto individuals who sleep on their stomachs. The stomach sleep pillowtype 500 has a varied density tapered baffle end 501 for a gentlesloping sleep surface 510 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

These types of pillow merely are examples of the types of pillows thatcan be recommended and provided by the apparatuses and methods describedherein.

4. Parameters for Pillow Selection

The computerized pillow-fitting apparatus selects a pillow based on thecharacteristics of an individual. According to an illustrativeembodiment, each of these characteristics may be represented by aparameter, as discussed below.

A. Primary Parameters

GENDER—The values for the gender parameter include male or female. Thisparameter is of importance because, statistically, females have smallerframes, thinner necks and arms, and a lighter head mass when compared tomales. Therefore, these considerations are accounted for by illustrativecomputerized pillow-fitting apparatuses and methods. Gender is anequally weighted parameter in all sleep positions.

AGE—Age is a parameter primarily used to customize pillows for the backsleeping position focusing on the need to support the curvature(lordosis) of the cervical spine. As the body ages, there is a generalloss in bone density leading to more curvature in the spine whichrequires increased neck support. In contrast, individuals of the ages3-15, for example, require less support due the development of the headand cervical spine and its lordosis.

HEIGHT—A direct correlation exists between height and neck length. Theheight parameter is of greater importance in the determinations for theback sleeper position.

WEIGHT—Men and women proportionately distribute weight differently, thusneeding varying support from a pillow. Therefore, the weight parameterallows for consideration of weight. Weight is an equally weightedparameter in all sleep positions.

HEAD SIZE—Head size varies with the height and weight of the individual.Head size is an equally weighted parameter in all sleep positions.

POSTURE—Posture can affect the need for more or less pillow support. Theposture parameter is particularly important in the determinations forback and stomach sleepers, but not as important in the determinationsfor the side sleeper.

CHEST SIZE—Chest size can affect the need for more or less pillowsupport depending on an individual's sleeping position. The chest sizeparameter is particularly important in the determinations for side andstomach sleepers, but not as important in the determinations for a backsleeper.

CUP SIZE—A female's cup size can affect the need for more or less pillowsupport depending on an individual's sleeping position. The cup sizeparameter may be considered only if the individual is a female.

MATTRESS—Density of the mattress affects the density of pillow needed.For example, a firm mattress would require more pillow support if anindividual sleeps on their side because the individual's chest orshoulder are not absorbed into the mattress as much as with a softmattress, thus a thicker pillow between the head and mattress is needed.The mattress density is an important determinate in selecting anappropriate pillow for all sleep positions.

SLEEPING POSITION—The values for the sleeping position parameter includeback, side, and stomach. The sleeping position parameter represents theposition in which an individual primarily falls asleep or the positionin which the individual primarily sleeps. The sleeping positionparameter is of importance because it determines the needed shape andinfrastructure of the pillow.

According to an illustrative embodiment, pillows are classified bysleeping position, which includes side sleepers, stomach sleepers, andback sleepers. Some of the primary parameters for determining the properpillow corresponding to each of the parameters will be discussed below.

According to an illustrative embodiment, when an individual specifiesthat he/she is a side sleeper, the computerized pillow-fitting apparatuswill consider the gender, height, weight, head size, and mattress.According to an illustrative embodiment, if the individual is male, thenchest size may be considered. If the individual is female, then chestsize may not be considered.

If an individual specifies that they are a stomach sleeper, thepillow-fitting apparatus will consider the gender, weight, head size,mattress, and chest size.

As for the individual that specifies that they are a back sleeper, thepillow-fitting apparatus will consider gender, age, height, weight, headsize, mattress, and posture.

According to an illustrative embodiment, measurements of actual persons,physical anthropology or somatology may be employed to determine valuesfor various parameters. For example, it can be determined that a 5′ 6″males typically exhibit certain corresponding parameters (e.g., headsize, neck size, arm size, chest size, etc.) and, thus, correlatingparameters for a 6′ 2″ can be determined.

B. Miscellaneous Other Parameters

PILLOW COVER—The pillow cover parameter corresponds to the fabric whichcovers a pillow. According to one illustrative embodiment, ahypoallergenic Primaloft or Down filling can be used with a 300 plusthread count cover. Such a covering for a pillow can provide the neededhead and neck support while also allowing the material to breathe andprovide a cool and gentle sensation to the face and head.

In one illustrative embodiment, pillows are covered with 312-threadcount combed cotton sateen which allows the pillow to breathe whileproviding a cool and gentle sensation to the face and neck region. Thisparameter may change as appropriate depending on the individual'scharacteristics and preferences.

SIDE SLEEPERS—Further, there are miscellaneous parameters that mainlyrelate to side sleepers. For example, the side sleepers parameter mayrelate to the specific body position of the individual as they sleep ontheir side. The reason for these miscellaneous parameters for sidesleepers is because side sleepers make up 70% of the consumers ofpillows.

SOFT OR FIRM PILLOW—This parameter represents the different materialsfor filling a pillow depending on an individual's preference for a softor a firm pillow. In particular, this parameter can represent specificmaterials for filling a pillow for an individual who sleeps on theirside and has preferences for a soft or a firm pillow.

ARM UNDER THE PILLOW—Side sleepers or side/stomach sleepers generallysleep with their arm under the pillow. Such placement of the arm adds tothe density present thus requiring less filling in the pillow. The armunder the pillow parameter accounts for the difference.

MULTI-POSITIONAL SLEEPERS—In addition, there is a parameter forrepresenting multi-positional sleepers. These individuals have a primaryposition in which they fall asleep, and then switch to a secondarysleeping position. For example, an individual may start sleeping ontheir side and transition to their back, start on their back then toshift to their side, or start on their stomach then move to their side.

There are illustrative embodiments which account for those sleepers whohave a primary position, then change positions from the primaryposition. For, example, in an illustrative embodiment, if the individualspecifics that they are a side to stomach sleeper, then the computerizedpillow-fitting apparatus will consider the gender, weight, head size,mattress, and chest size of the individual. If the individual is a sideto stomach sleeper who also places their arm under the pillow, then thecomputerized pillow-fitting system will consider the gender, weight,head size, mattress, and chest of the individual. If the individual isonly a side sleeper, but indicates that they sleep with their arm underthe pillow, then the computerized pillow-fitting system will considerthe gender, weight, head size, and mattress, with the addition of thechest size for men.

The foregoing parameters are merely examples of parameters that can beused in illustrative embodiments and are not to be constructed aslimiting the present invention. For instance, in an illustrativeembodiment, only a few of the available parameters may be used todetermine the appropriate pillow. In another illustrative embodiment,all of the available parameters may be used to determine the appropriatepillow.

5. Selecting a Pillow

In another illustrative embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, an individualinputs their characteristics into the computer (S100). Then, thecomputerized pillow-fitting apparatus will determine a pillow identifierbased on the parameters corresponding to the characteristics inputtedinto the apparatus (S200). The pillow identifier may comprise, forexample, a pillow number or a pillow code which, for example, iscomprised of numbers and letters. The pillow identifier corresponds to apillow with particular features fitted to the individual. A pillow isthen produced based on the determined pillow identifier (S300).Producing a pillow can include, but is not limited to, retrieving thepillow from a warehouse or storeroom, manufacturing the pillow, ordirectly delivering the pillow to the individual customer.

In another illustrative embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, a user enterstheir characteristics using a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, or similardevice from selection menus displayed on the screen of a computer(S400). Such characteristics may include the user's physicalcharacteristics. An example display screen is illustrated in FIG. 9A.Then the user will input their mattress density and sleeping positionfrom selection menus such as those illustrated in FIG. 9A (S400). Thisdata is then provided to the computerized pillow-fitting apparatusexecuted by the computer as illustrated in FIG. 1 or by a server asillustrated in FIG. 2, which will then determine a pillow identifierthat corresponds to a particular pillow based on the information inputby the user (S500). The calculation of a pillow identifier will bediscussed below. The pillow corresponding to the determined pillowidentifier is then displayed on the screen as illustrated in FIG. 9B.Based on the pillow identifier, the pillow can be manufactured, selectedfrom a warehouse, or picked up by the user (S600).

In another illustrative embodiment, once the parameters are entered(S700), the apparatus will assign each parameter a value based on valueslike those shown in Table 1 through Table 3 shown below (S800). Thesetables can be stored in storage unit, for example. By way ofillustration, if the individual enters “14 years-old” for age, then theprocessor of the computer will access Table 1, find an age rangecorresponding to the entered age and find the corresponding value, “0.”If an individual enters “female” for gender, then the processor willaccess the Table 1, find the entered “female” gender and find thecorresponding value, “−1.” The values set forth in Tables 1-3 are merelyexamples and a wide range of values can be assigned to each parameterconsistent with illustrative embodiments.

Once each of the parameters are assigned a value, the values are summed(S900). The summation result is then multiplied by appropriate weightingfactor(s). For example, a weighting factor may be assigned correspondingto the sleeping position that the individual provided to the apparatus(S1000). Such a weighting factor corresponding to the sleeping positionis assigned based on the overall importance of sleeping positioncomponent relative to the pillow being produced.

According to one illustrative embodiment, the weighting factorcorresponding to the sleeping position is assigned a value of 50%whereas the remaining entered parameters are assigned a weighting factorof 50%. However, the present invention is not limited to such anillustrative embodiment. For instance, a wide range of values can beassigned as weighting factors corresponding to each of the parametersbased on their respective overall importance.

The number resulting from the product of the summation result and theweighting factor(s) is referred to as the pillow number, which is oneexample of a pillow identifier that corresponds to a pillow. Based onthe pillow number, the pillow can be manufactured, selected from awarehouse, or picked up by the user (S1100).

TABLE 1 Parameter Input Range Parameter Value 1. AGE 5 to 10 years −2 13to 21 years 0 22 to 50 +1 51 and up +2 2. HEIGHT 3 ft. to 5 ft. −2 5 ft.to 6 ft. 0 6 ft. to 6 ft., 6 in. +1 6 ft., 6 in. to 7 ft., 6 in. +4 3.WEIGHT 40 lbs. to 100 lbs. −2 101 to 180 0 181 to 225 +2 226 to 300 +3301 to 400 +4 4. HEAD SIZE X-small +2 Small +3 Average 0 Above Average−1 Large −2 5. POSTURE Head held back −2 Normal 0 Head held forward +26. GENDER Male 0 Female −1

TABLE 2 MALE Parameter Value 20 to 36 in. −2 37 to 42 in. 0 43 to 50 in.+2 51 to 60 in. +4

TABLE 3 FEMALE (32-42 inches) Parameter Value A to B Cup size 0 C to DCup size +2 E and up +4

In another illustrative embodiment, instead of assigning a value to eachparameter, and calculating a pillow number as a pillow identifier, thecomputerized pillow-fitting apparatus will use the input parametersprovided by the individual to determine a pillow code. A pillow code isanother example of a pillow identifier. Then, the values are comparedwith tables stored on a storage unit like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Tables 4 through 9 provide example tables utilized by the computerizedpillow-fitting apparatus. Table 4 corresponds to a back sleeper. Table 5corresponds to a side sleeper. Table 6 corresponds to a female stomachsleeper with a cup size ranging between an A and C cup. Table 7corresponds to a female stomach sleeper with a cup size with a D cup orlarger. Table 8 corresponds to a male stomach sleeper.

Each table contains values for relevant parameters and correspondingpillow codes. Based on the table entries, the apparatus will provide apillow code by displaying it on the display. Alternatively, the pillowcode can be printed on a printer. The pillow code can also be providedto a sales clerk who can use the pillow code to retrieve thecorresponding pillow from a storage area of a store, or can be providedto a manufacturer who can construct the appropriate pillow.

TABLE 4 Table 4 contains pillow codes for an individual who sleeps onhis or her back. Table 4 includes the characteristics of height, chestsize, and weight. Table 4 applies to males and females. Height ChestWeight Pillow Code 0-5′3″  0-34 <130 BS1 0-5′3″  0-34 >130 BS1 0-5′3″34-40 <150 BS1 0-5′3″ 34-40 >150 BS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 <200 BS2 0-5′3″40-46 >200 BS2 0-5′3″ 46> <225 BS3 0-5′3″ 46> >225 BS3 5′3″-5′6″  0-34<150 BS1 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 >150 BS2 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 <170 BS2 5′3″-5′6″34-40 >170 BS2 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 <210 BS2 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 >210 BS35′3″-5′6″ 46-50 <230 BS2 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 >230 BS3 5′3″-5′6″ 50> <250 BS35′3″-5′6″ 50> >250 BS3 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 <160 BS2 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 >160 BS25′6″-5′9″ 35-40 <185 BS2 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40 >185 BS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 <225BS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 >225 BS3 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 <245 BS3 5′6″-5′9″46-50 >245 BS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> <265 BS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> >265 BS4 5′9″-6′2″ 0-36 <170 BS2 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 >170 BS3 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 <200 BS35′9″-6′2″ 36-40 >200 BS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 <240 BS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 >240BS4 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 <265 BS3 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 >265 BS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> <275BS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> >275 BS4 6′2″-higher  0-36 <180 BS2 6′2″-higher 0-36 >180 BS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 <220 BS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 >220 BS46′2″-higher 40-46 <245 BS4 6′2″-higher 40-46 >245 BS4 6′2″-higher 46-50<260 BS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 >260 BS4 6′2″-higher 50> <285 BS4 6′2″-higher50> >285 BS4

TABLE 5 Table 5 contains pillow codes for an individual who sleeps onhis or her side. Table 5 includes the characteristics of height, chestsize, weight, and preferred pillow firmness. Table 5 applies to malesand females. Pillow Code - Pillow Code - Height Chest Weight Firm Soft0-5′3″  0-34 <130 SiSf1 SiS1 0-5′3″  0-34 >130 SiSf1 SiS1 0-5′3″ 34-40<150 SiSf1 SiS1 0-5′3″ 34-40 >150 SiSf1 SiS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 <200 SiSf2SiS3 0-5′3″ 40-46 >200 SiSf2 SiS4 0-5′3″ 46> <225 SiSf3 SiS4 0-5′3″46> >225 SiSf3 SiS4 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 <150 SiSf1 SiS1 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 >150SiSf1 SiS2 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 <170 SiSf1 SiS2 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 >170 SiSf2SiS3 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 <210 SiSf2 SiS3 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 >210 SiSf3 SiS45′3″-5′6″ 46-50 <230 SiSf2 SiS4 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 >230 SiSf3 SiS45′3″-5′6″ 50> <250 SiSf3 SiS4 5′3″-5′6″ 50> >250 SiSf3 SiS5 5′6″-5′9″ 0-35 <160 SiSf1 SiS2 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 >160 SiSf1 SiS2 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40<185 SiSf1 SiS2 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40 >185 SiSf2 SiS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 <225SiSf2 SiS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 >225 SiSf3 SiS4 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 <245 SiSf3SiS4 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 >245 SiSf3 SiS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> <265 SiSf3 SiS55′6″-5′9″ 50> >265 SiSf4 SiS5 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 <170 SiSf1 SiS2 5′9″-6′2″ 0-36 >170 SiSf2 SiS3 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 <200 SiSf2 SiS3 5′9″-6′2″36-40 >200 SiSf2 SiS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 <240 SiSf2 SiS3 5′9″-6′2″40-46 >240 SiSf3 SiS4 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 <265 SiSf3 SiS4 5′9″-6′2″46-50 >265 SiSf4 SiS5 5′9″-6′2″ 50> <275 SiSf3 SiS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> >275SiSf4 SiS5 6′2″-higher  0-36 <180 SiSf1 SiS2 6′2″-higher  0-36 >180SiSf2 SiS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 <220 SiSf3 SiS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 >220SiSf3 SiS4 6′2″-higher 40-46 <245 SiSf3 SiS4 6′2″-higher 40-46 >245SiSf4 SiS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 <260 SiSf4 SiS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 >260SiSf4 SiS5 6′2″-higher 50> <285 SiSf4 SiS5 6′2″-higher 50> >285 SiSf4SiS6

TABLE 6 Table 6 contains pillow codes for a female who sleeps on herstomach with a cup size ranging from an A to C cup. Table 6 includes thecharacteristics of height, chest size in inches, cup size, and weight.A-C Pillow Height Chest Cup Weight Code 0-5′3″  0-34 yes <130 StS10-5′3″  0-34 yes >130 StS1 0-5′3″ 34-40 yes <150 StS1 0-5′3″ 34-40yes >150 StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 yes <200 StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 yes >200 StS30-5′3″ 46> yes <225 StS2 0-5′3″ 46> yes >225 StS3 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 yes<150 StS1 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 yes >150 StS2 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 yes <170 StS15′3″-5′6″ 34-40 yes >170 StS2 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 yes <210 StS2 5′3″-5′6″40-46 yes >210 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 yes <230 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50yes >230 StS4 5′3″-5′6″ 50> yes <250 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 50> yes >250 StS45′6″-5′9″  0-35 yes <160 StS1 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 yes >160 StS2 5′6″-5′9″35-40 yes <185 StS2 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40 yes >185 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 yes<225 StS2 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 yes >225 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 yes <245 StS35′6″-5′9″ 46-50 yes >245 StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> yes <265 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 50>yes >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 yes <170 StS1 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 yes >170StS2 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 yes <200 StS2 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 yes >200 StS35′9″-6′2″ 40-46 yes <240 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 yes >240 StS4 5′9″-6′2″46-50 yes <265 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 yes >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> yes <275StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> yes >275 StS4 6′2″-higher  0-36 yes <180 StS26′2″-higher  0-36 yes >180 StS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 yes <210 StS36′2″-higher 36-40 yes >210 StS4 6′2″-higher 40-46 yes <245 StS36′2″-higher 40-46 yes >245 StS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 yes <275 StS46′2″-higher 46-50 yes >275 StS4 6′2″-higher 50> yes <300 StS46′2″-higher 50> yes >300 StS4

TABLE 7 Table 7 contains pillow codes for a female who sleeps on herstomach with a cup size of at least a D cup. Table 7 includes thecharacteristics of height, chest size in inches, cup size, and weight. DCup or Pillow Height Chest larger Weight Code 0-5′3″  0-34 yes <130 StS20-5′3″  0-34 yes >130 StS2 0-5′3″ 34-40 yes <150 StS2 0-5′3″ 34-40yes >150 StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 yes <200 StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 yes >200 StS30-5′3″ 46> yes <225 StS3 0-5′3″ 46> yes >225 StS4 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 yes<150 StS2 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 yes >150 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 yes <170 StS25′3″-5′6″ 34-40 yes >170 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 yes <210 StS3 5′3″-5′6″40-46 yes >210 StS4 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 yes <230 StS4 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50yes >230 StS4 5′3″-5′6″ 50> yes <250 StS4 5′3″-5′6″ 50> yes >250 StS45′6″-5′9″  0-35 yes <160 StS2 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 yes >160 StS3 5′6″-5′9″35-40 yes <185 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40 yes >185 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 yes<225 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 yes >225 StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 yes <245 StS45′6″-5′9″ 46-50 yes >245 StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> yes <265 StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50>yes >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 yes <170 StS2 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 yes >170StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 yes <200 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 yes >200 StS35′9″-6′2″ 40-46 yes <240 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 yes >240 StS4 5′9″-6′2″46-50 yes <265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 yes >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> yes <275StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> yes >275 StS4 6′2″-higher  0-36 yes <180 StS36′2″-higher  0-36 yes >180 StS4 6′2″-higher 36-40 yes <210 StS46′2″-higher 36-40 yes >210 StS4 6′2″-higher 40-46 yes <245 StS46′2″-higher 40-46 yes >245 StS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 yes <275 StS46′2″-higher 46-50 yes >275 StS4 6′2″-higher 50> yes <300 StS46′2″-higher 50> yes >300 StS4

TABLE 8 Table 8 contains pillow codes for a male who sleeps on his side.Table 8 includes the characteristics of height, chest size, and weight.Pillow Height Chest Weight Code 0-5′3″  0-34 <130 StS1 0-5′3″  0-34 >130StS2 0-5′3″ 34-40 <150 StS1 0-5′3″ 34-40 >150 StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 <200StS2 0-5′3″ 40-46 >200 StS2 0-5′3″ 46> <225 StS2 0-5′3″ 46> >225 StS35′3″-5′6″  0-34 <150 StS1 5′3″-5′6″  0-34 >150 StS2 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 <170StS1 5′3″-5′6″ 34-40 >170 StS2 5′3″-5′6″ 40-46 <210 StS2 5′3″-5′6″40-46 >210 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 <230 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 46-50 >230 StS45′3″-5′6″ 50> <250 StS3 5′3″-5′6″ 50> >250 StS4 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 <160StSi 5′6″-5′9″  0-35 >160 StS2 5′6″-5′9″ 35-40 <185 StS2 5′6″-5′9″35-40 >185 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 <225 StS2 5′6″-5′9″ 40-46 >225 StS35′6″-5′9″ 46-50 <245 StS3 5′6″-5′9″ 46-50 >245 StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> <265StS4 5′6″-5′9″ 50> >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″  0-36 <170 StS1 5′9″-6′2″ 0-36 >170 StS2 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 <200 StS2 5′9″-6′2″ 36-40 >200 StS35′9″-6′2″ 40-46 <240 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 40-46 >240 StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 <265StS3 5′9″-6′2″ 46-50 >265 StS4 5′9″-6′2″ 50> <275 StS4 5′9″-6′2″50> >275 StS4 6′2″-higher  0-36 <180 StS2 6′2″-higher  0-36 >180 StS36′2″-higher 36-40 <210 StS3 6′2″-higher 36-40 >210 StS4 6′2″-higher40-46 <245 StS3 6′2″-higher 40-46 >245 StS4 6′2″-higher 46-50 <275 StS46′2″-higher 46-50 >275 StS4 6′2″-higher 50> <300 StS4 6′2″-higher50> >300 StS4

TABLE 9 Table 9 provides the type of pillow that corresponds to thedetermined pillow code. In particular, Table 9 contains all of thepillow codes for the above tables and the corresponding fill weights andtypes of filler material. Back Sleepers Code Brand Ounces SpecificationsBS1 Primaloft 30 oz 11 outer/8 inner BS2 Primaloft 34 oz 13 outer/8inner BS3 Primaloft 38 oz 15 outer/8 inner BS4 Primaloft 42 oz 17outer/8 inner Side Sleepers - Soft/Medium Code Brand Ounces SiS1Primaloft 26 oz SiS2 Lyocell 20 oz SiS3 Lyocell 22 oz SiS4 Lyocell 24 ozSiS5 Lyocell 26 oz Side Sleepers-Firm Code Brand Ounces SiSf1 Sensuelle23 oz SiSf2 Sensuelle 26 oz SiSf3 Sensuelle 29 oz SiSf4 Sensuelle 31 ozStomach Sleepers - Soft/Medium Code Brand Ounces StS1 Primaloft 19 ozStS2 Lyocell 17 oz StS3 Lyocell 19 oz StS4 Lyocell 21 oz

6. Production of a Pillow

According to certain illustrative embodiments, based on the determinedpillow identifier, a pillow can then be manufactured, retrieved form awarehouse, or directly provided to a customer.

A. Manufacturing a Pillow

In another illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, once the pillowidentifier is determined, the pillow identifier is provided to amanufacturer 901. The manufacturer 901 then constructs and assembles apillow according to the specifications of Table 9 for a particularpillow identifier as illustrated in FIG. 10. The pillow is then providedto the customer. For example, the pillow is shipped to the customer ormade available for the customer to pick up.

B. Retrieving a Pillow

In another illustrative embodiment, once the pillow identifier isdetermined, a sales clerk can retrieve the pillow corresponding to thepillow identifier from the storage area 905 of a store, for example, andprovide the pillow to the customer as illustrated in FIG. 10.

C. Direct Delivery of a Pillow

In another illustrative embodiment, once the pillow identifier isdetermined, the user then locates the correct pillow according to thepillow identifier from a display in the store, takes the pillow to thecashier, and purchases the pillow 910, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to illustrative embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood by those or ordinary skill in the art that various changes inform and details may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.The illustrative embodiments should be considered in descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of theinvention is defined not by the detailed description above, but by theappended claims and their equivalents, and all differences within thescope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

1. A computerized pillow-fitting method comprising: inputting, by acomputer having a processor, a plurality of parameters corresponding toan individual's characteristics; determining, using the processor, apillow identifier based on the plurality of parameters; outputting fromthe computer the pillow identifier; and producing a pillow based on thepillow identifier.
 2. The computerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1,wherein the determining the pillow identifier comprises: determiningvalues for each of the plurality of parameters; summing the values ofeach of the plurality parameters; and multiplying the summation by atleast one weighting factor to thereby calculate a pillow number.
 3. Thecomputerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofparameters include a gender, an age, a height, a weight, a chest size,and a sleep position of the individual.
 4. The computerizedpillow-fitting method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of parametersfurther include a mattress density of a mattress to be used with thepillow.
 5. The computerized pillow-fitting method of claim 3, whereinthe plurality of parameters further include a head size, a body posture,a neck size, and a body type of the individual.
 6. The computerizedpillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein the determining the pillowidentifier comprises determining values for each of the plurality ofparameters; and wherein the computerized pillow-fitting method furthercomprises assigning each of the plurality of parameters a weightingfactor based on overall importance of the parameter to providing asuitable pillow for the individual.
 7. The computerized pillow-fittingmethod of claim 1, wherein the producing the pillow comprisesmanufacturing a pillow based on the pillow identifier.
 8. Thecomputerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein the producing thepillow comprises providing the individual with the pillow identifier anda pillow corresponding to the pillow identifier.
 9. The computerizedpillow-fitting method of claim 2, wherein the at least one weightingfactor corresponds to a sleeping position parameter of the individual.10. The computerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein theplurality of parameters include a parameter indicating whether theindividual is a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper.
 11. Thecomputerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1, further comprisinginputting, by the computer, a second plurality of parameterscorresponding to the individual's preferences, wherein the secondplurality of parameters include a preferred pillow fill, a preferredpillow density, and a preferred pillow cover of the individual.
 12. Thecomputerized pillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofparameters include: a height, a weight, an age, a sex, a posture, a bodytype, a chest size, a neck size, a head size, a preferred pillowfirmness, a preferred bed firmness, and a sleeping position of theindividual, and wherein the produced pillow has a fill weight and amaterial corresponding to the pillow identifier.
 13. The computerizedpillow-fitting method of claim 1, wherein the produced pillow isconfigured to support only a sub-region of the individual's body.
 14. Acomputerized pillow-fitting method comprising: inputting, by a computerhaving a processor, a plurality of parameters corresponding to anindividual's characteristics; determining, using the processor, a pillowidentifier, based on the plurality of parameters by comparing values foreach of the plurality of parameters with a database entry, wherein thedatabase entry includes pillow identifier information corresponding tothe values for each of the plurality of parameters; and producing apillow based on the pillow identifier.
 15. A computerized pillow-fittingapparatus, comprising: a processor; an input device configured to inputa plurality of parameters corresponding to an individual'scharacteristics; a determination unit which uses the processor todetermine, in response to the input of the plurality of parameters, apillow identifier based on the plurality of parameters; and an outputdevice configured to output the pillow identifier and configured tocause a pillow to be produced based on the pillow identifier.
 16. Thecomputerized pillow-fitting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein theplurality of parameters include: a height, a weight, an age, a sex, aposture, a body type, a chest size, a neck size, a head size, apreferred pillow firmness, a preferred bed firmness, and a sleepingposition of the individual, and wherein the pillow to be produced has afill weight and a material corresponding to the pillow identifier.